I recently had the opportunity to go through the interview process for the Software Development Engineer (SDE) role at Google. The process comprised three rounds, each assessing different skill sets:

🔹 Round 1: Data Structures and Algorithms (Online Technical Interview) This was a 60-minute technical interview conducted on Google Meet using a shared Google Doc as the coding pad.

The interviewer tested my problem-solving ability and depth in data structures like arrays, trees, hashmaps, and graphs.

I was asked 2 coding problems, focusing on time complexity optimization and clean code structure.

One of the problems required an efficient solution using a sliding window technique.

I was expected to not only write working code but also discuss the trade-offs between different approaches.

🔹 Round 2: Advanced DSA + Systematic Debugging The second round was again a 60-minute coding round, but more intense in terms of edge case handling and debugging.

I was given a moderate-to-hard level problem involving recursion and dynamic programming.

The interviewer asked me to reason about edge cases, space/time complexity, and how I would handle large inputs.

I had to explain my approach clearly, justify design decisions, and walk the interviewer through each step.

🔹 Round 3: HR / Behavioral Round (Googliness + Culture Fit) This was a 30-minute conversation with an HR representative.

I was assessed on teamwork, communication, adaptability, and alignment with Google's values (Googliness).

Questions included:

• Tell me about a time you faced a technical challenge and how you overcame it.
• Why Google?
• Describe a situation where you had a conflict with a teammate — how did you resolve it?

The focus was on self-awareness, problem ownership, and a learning mindset.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Strong fundamentals in DSA and the ability to communicate your thought process clearly are critical.
• Google highly values clarity, collaboration, and structured thinking.
• The HR round isn’t just a formality — it’s essential to show you’re a good cultural fit.

Explain the project in detail.

Then, some DSA questions.